Overall, though, the aforementioned topics are merely the symptoms, not the actual causes, of the general malaise and nihilism that result from the fear and denial of death. Only the Great Prophet, Ernest Becker, has offered the most plausible and comprehensive explanation of the fatalistic “human condition.” Becker could offer no real solutions as there are none. Humans are destined for self-destruction no matter what because there is no way to eradicate individual and collective consciousness. Only the “vital lie” provides temporary relief, that is, as long as the latter is firmly entrenched in conviction and belief (often called “faith”).
Becker also focused on the human need to create a superficial separation from animals. In fact, that separation is the basis of the failed “civilization” paradigm. Physical animal characteristics must be covered up. Animal acts (e.g., reproduction) must be sanitized and cloaked with ridiculous nomenclature. Animal biology must also be sanitized and masked by idiotic rituals. Animal behavior must be suppressed or repressed by all means necessary, even by force. As the “civilization” paradigm fails, the “inner animal” breaks free. And, “all hell breaks loose.”
Finally, Becker notes that all humans suffer from psychopathology, the only individual difference being the degree of its manifestation. In other words, the fear or denial of death can never be cured. It is the root of human psychopathology and it can only get worse, not better, over time. When an entire society or species is collectively involved in futile “immortality projects,” the outcome can only be self-destructive.